1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 396 kg more than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
